Key takeaways
- Senegal beat Iraq 5-0 on 26 June after Iraq went down to 10 men in the 13th minute.
- Habib Diarra opened early; Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye (2) and Iliman Ndiaye also scored.
- The win lifted Senegal's goal difference and their hopes as a best third-placed team.
- Iraq finished bottom of Group I and are out of the tournament.
Senegal gave themselves every chance of sneaking into the knockout rounds the hard way — by simply overwhelming Iraq. On 26 June, the Lions of Teranga beat Iraq 5-0, a result confirmed by ESPN’s match report and by Al Jazeera, which framed it as Senegal keeping their World Cup knockout hopes alive.
What happened
Senegal started fast. Habib Diarra struck inside the opening minutes, and the game effectively broke open in the 13th minute when Iraq defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off for hauling down Sadio Mané as he bore down on goal. A man up for more than 75 minutes, Senegal turned the screw after the break: Ismaila Sarr added the second, substitute Pape Gueye scored twice, and fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout for 5-0.
It was the kind of disciplined, goal-hungry display Senegal needed. Earlier in the group they had pushed Norway all the way in a 3-2 defeat — a game we broke down in our Norway 3-2 Senegal report — so the attacking quality was never in doubt. Here, it finally translated into a big margin.
Why the scoreline matters
Senegal finished third in Group I behind a flawless France and runners-up Norway. In an expanded 48-team World Cup, the eight best third-placed teams advance, and ties are broken first on points, then goal difference, then goals scored. By winning 5-0, Senegal dramatically improved their goal difference — potentially the exact tiebreaker that decides whether they survive.
Whether it’s enough depends on results elsewhere. Keep an eye on our Round of 32 qualified tracker and our knockout bracket betting guide as the final groups wrap up.
The betting angle
A blowout like this carries a few lessons for punters:
- Red cards reshape markets fast. Once Iraq went down to 10 men, Senegal’s “over” goals lines and team-total markets became live in-play. If you bet in real time, our live in-play betting guide covers how to react without chasing.
- Goal difference is a hidden storyline. Third-place qualification can hinge on it, which means “winning margin” and “team total goals” markets can stay meaningful even in games that look like dead rubbers.
- Spread your goalscorer risk. Five different feels possible here — Diarra, Sarr, Gueye, Ndiaye all found the net. If you like anytime-scorer bets, understanding the odds first is essential; start with football betting odds explained.
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What’s next
Senegal must now wait on other groups to learn their fate, but they have done their part in emphatic fashion. Iraq, beaten in all three games, bow out. For neutrals and bettors alike, the lesson is clear: in a 48-team format, goal difference can be worth as much as a win — so never switch off, even when a result looks decided.
Bet responsibly. Odds and outcomes are never guaranteed, and this article is for readers 18 and over. Set limits, treat betting as entertainment, and never chase losses. If gambling stops being fun, take a break — see our responsible gambling resources for support.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Senegal vs Iraq?
Senegal beat Iraq 5-0 on 26 June 2026. Iraq played most of the match with 10 men after a 13th-minute red card.
Did Senegal qualify for the Round of 32?
The win kept Senegal in contention as one of the best third-placed teams. Final qualification depends on results in other groups, decided by points and goal difference.
